Concrete-wall form



March 24, 1925.

W. F. M COLLUM CONCRETE WALL FORM Filed March 22 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 24, 1925.,

" w. F. MQCOL'LIVJMV CONCRETE WALL FORM Filed M arch 22. 1923 I s Sheets-Sheet 2 ivy/6711 52:

March 24, 1925.

w. F. MCCOLLUM CONCRETE WAIJL FORM Filed March 22 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet :5

, jive 21151 M14 Efi CbLu/A Patented Mar. 24, 1925.

UNITED. s'r Ares 1.531.239 PATENT OFFICE.

:WILLIAM F. mcconnmvnor LOS Anennns, CALIFORNIA, assrenoa or ONE-HALF r GRACE McCOLLUhLOF nos ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

CONCRETE-WALL FORM.

i I) 1 Application filed March 22, 1923. S'erial No. 626,773.

To aZZ-w/wm i't may concern: 7

Be it known that I, IVI LIAM F. MCCOIr LUM, a citizen of the United States, resid- 'ing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los An- ,5 geles and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Concrete wan F 0rms,of which the following is a specification. I

My present invention isa system of concrete construction andapparatus for use therein, itjbeing a special object of this inyention to provide simplemeans and improved methods for the construction, of hollow walls, and especially hollow walls having corners; and in the employment of the means-and methodsreferred to, I prefer to utilize a comparatively dry mixture of the usual or any desired concrete materials, and to build successive tiers. or courses of a wall 2 therefromin situ. It is anobject of this invention to pro-. vide a system of forms which shall permit of the spacing apartof the respective shells constituting a hollow wall, and to provide alsoa specific and improved method of'so reinforcing walls of the character referred to that the respective shells need not come into actualcontact at anypoint, although securely connected together.

employ f reinforcing elements which may serve also as rails or supports for the sliding parts of a collapsible core. form; and it is a further object to provide specific core forms, operating orguiding means therefor, end gates, spacing means, holding nieansand other details of concrete apparatus, the parts referred to beingyadapted effectively to cooperate in a manner hereinafter described.

It is'a further object of this invention to provide both corner forms and straight Wall forms suitablefor use in the production of 5 'ment and the breaking of all joints, it being possible to proceed-by'the method referred.

to withisuchrapidity that the resulting structure may be substantially monolithic. Other. objects. of-my invention will appear It is afurtherobject of this invention to hollow reinforced fwallsof any desired length and in such manner'that, the respec- J from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof and the appended claims; but I desire especially to emphasize the fact that,*while the principles of my invention are suitable foruse in the construction of hollow walls or channel walls of any desired type, certain features being applicable even in the construction ofsolid walls, I prefer toapply the mentioned principles in. the construction of walls which may be comparedwith those of a thermos bottle in that an inner shell is so effectively spaced from an outer shell that the transfer of heat, sound or moisture therethrough is effectively prevented.

One preferred type of apparatus suitable for use in the practice of my invention, is shown in whichi p v Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a set of forms adapted tobe associated in the, production ,of a corner of. a hollow wall.

I Fig. 2 is an elevational view taken in the direction indicated bythe arrow 2 in Fig; 1.

'Figs. 3 and 4 are detail perspective views showingelements used inthe connecting of outside vertical form elements with a collapsible core of the character shown in Fig. 1. V

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a set of interconnected form elements suitable for use in the formation of a block or section of straight wall.-

. Fig. 6 is a detail view showing a preferred method of connecting and supporting an outside vertical form element with the corresponding element of a core or other mold used in the formation of a channelor air space between an inner and an outer shell.

Fig.- 7 is a. vertical section substantially on the line .77 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal section substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view showing a preferred means for moving and guiding thevertical elements constituting a core .form such as Iprefer to employ in the ,or-

ganization shown in Fig. 5.

Figs. 10, and 11 are respectively a plan view and a side, elevation of a connecting and supporting strap of the type which I prefer to employ in the relationship best indicated in Figs. Tand 8..

' Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view showthe accompanying drawings, in

ing how a corner form of the character shown in Fig. 1 may be supported from a tier or course of wall previously formed, and how acore form of my preferred construction maybe provided with means to effect a relative movement of parts. 7

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing how I prefer to employ reinforcing elements in the construction of a hollow or channel wall, the Z-shaped reinforcing elements shown in this figure being intended to provide sup porting rails for the core form which is shown in cross section in 12.

F 1i is a perspective view of a preferred form of end gate which I may use in connection with either my corner forms or my straight forms, the outside of this and gate being shown in vertical elevation in Fig. 2.

Fig. 15 is a detail view on the line 15-15 of Fig. 16 and showing how my end gate maycooperate with the elements of a core form and may also aid in the positioning and supporting of a reinforcing element by which the inner and outer shells of a hollow or channel wall may be connected.

Fig. 16 may be regarded as a vertical section on the line 16-16 of Fig. 15.

Referring first to the details of my preferred type of corner forms shown best in Figs, 1, 2, 3 and d, it will be understood that the vertical elements of this set of forms are respectively, the core elements 1 and 2, which are secured together by pin and slot connections comprising slotted straps 3 and stud-carrying straps which may be respectively and 6, which are secured in turn to the vertical plates 7 and 8, which may be of sheet metal, and which are respectively provided at the bottom with angle irons 9 and 10. disposed in the relative position best shown in Fig. 2.

In order to properly space and support the outside vertical form elements comprising the plates 12 and 13, provided at the top with angle irons 14 and 15, and at the bottom with corresponding angle irons 16 and 17, any suitable construction may be employed, but I. prefer to employ, adjacent thetop of the core forms, and secured thereto by means of the projecting ears 18, the laterally extending bolts 19, shown as provided with the nuts 20 and with the sleeves 21, the latter being optionally secured by means such as the pins 22. and the bolts 19 being preferably provided with constrictions 23 at the outer endsthereof, the mentioned constrictions being adapted to extend through key hole slots 24 in cars 25 upon the angle irons 14,15, at the top of the respective outside vertical form elements 12. '13. Washers 26 may optionally be inter posed betweenthe ends of the sleeves 21 and the cars 18, it being nderstood that the riveted to angle irons i) sleeves referred to serve not only as spacing and strengthening means but also as handles by which the associated parts may be conveniently lifted, when desired, as a unit. At the bottom of the forms described I may employ supporting and spacing connections such as the straps 27, best shown in Figs. 6-1O inclusive, these straps being preferably provided at one end with key-hole slots 28. and at the other end with a threaded extension 29. adapted to carry the wing nuts 30, and optionally secured by means such as the chains 31, which may be connected with any adjacent part, such as the angle irons 16, 17. Slots 31, 32 being provided in the core plates 7 and S, and in the outside vertical form elements 12, 13 respectively, it wll be understood that the slots 28 may be engaged by the studs 31 upon the respective core plates. and that the wing nuts 30 may thereafter be employed'to space the outside form elements therefrom in such manner as to render the vertical surfaces of all the mentioned form elements substantially or exactly parallel and vertical: and when the bottom of an outside vertical form element has been secured in the manner referred to, a latch element 33, shown as pivoted upon a bracket 3-1 secured to the ear 25, or any equivalent means, may be employed to secure the bolts 19 within the key-hole slots 1- at the top of the respective forms.

In beginning the construction of a wall of building by means of the forms herein described, I prefer to place the corner blocks in position first; and as soon as the parts already described have been assembled in the manner indicated, the ends of the form being closed in any suitable way, I may proceed to place any suitable concrete mixture within the spaces between the outside surfaces of the core elements and the outside vertical form elements: but l prefer to employ, at the ends of both my corner forms and my straight forms, end gates of the specific construction best shown in Figs. 2, 13, 14 and 15, from which it will be under stood that I may provide'not-ched fins upon the inner side of plates 36, the edges of which may be reinforced by the horizontally extending angle irons 37 and the vertically extending angle irons 38, the latter being adapted to support the horizontal angle irons or straps 39 to which I may secure any suitable fastening means, such as the latches 10, shown as pivoted at ll and adapted to engage the studs 42, the use of stops t?) being optional. It will be observed that the vertical fins 35 are shown as provided with notches 14*, and these notches I prefer to employ as means for supporting reinforcing elements such as the U-bars 45, it being understood that these U-oars may be inserted during the filling of my molds with concrete they may serve as a permanent connecting means between nor described. I i

1 Any suitable means-may be employed to the inner and outer shells of a wall formed in the manner described. I, p v i As best shown in Fig. 14, the vertical fins may serve not only as' a means for strengthening my end' gatesand as a means for temporarily supporting the reinforcing eleirents referred to, but also as an extension of the plates7 and 8, by which the air space or channel betweenthe shells of a wall of produce a relative movement betwee'nthe verticalplates 7) and 8, to'dim'inish llllQdlSfi tance between these plates when my core forms are to be withdrawn but I find it"adyantageous to employ for this; purpose the elements 46 and A7, respectively pivoted to the angle irons-,5 and 6,-itbeing understood that corresponding pairsof pivoted elements 48 and49 are correspondingly secured to the lower angle irons 9 and 10, and'that a ha'ndle 50- provided with a vertical extension 51 is rigidly secured .to the respective pivoted elements 46 and 48,,insuch manner that a lateral movement of thishandle inonedirection tends to move'the plates? and 8toward' one another in a corneriwise or diagonal direction, corresponding to'the direction of the respective ,slots'in' the elements 3, also, connected therewith, it being understoodthat pin and slot connections such as those referred to above are provided not only at the top but at the bottom of the plates 7 and 8 and connected with the angle irons 9 and 10.

After corner blocks have been [suitably formed in'situ in the imanner, above described, or in any other preferred' manner, I may assemble at thefen'dsof the Vl'ateralextensions tliereofstraightform's of any suitable design; but Iprefertofemploy in this connection forms which are in somerespects closely similar to the'corner' forms already described. Asbest shown in Figs; 5 and 9, I may embody in my straight formsthe core elements 1 and l secured together by the pin and slot connecting elements 3 and P, and connected with the angle irons 5 and 6 which carry and strengthen the vertical plates 7 and 8 of a collapsible core, it being understood that pin and slot connectionsof the character referred to are employed not only at the top but 'atthebottom of this core, as best shown in Fig. :9,and thatany suitable operating means may be associated shall have been completed.

therewith; One suitable operating means is shown 1n the figures referred to as compr1sing pivoted elements 52 and 53, respectively secured to the horizontal angle irons 5 and 6, and to thecorresponding elements 9"" and 10 at the bottoms of the respective plates, the pivoted elements 52 and 53 beingshown in turn as pivotally connected with T-shaped 1G? vers 54, the movement of which by means such as thearms 55, rigidly connected with a rock shaft 56, provided with a handle 57, is adapted to'prodnce a relative movement between the vertical plates 7 and 8 in order to permita' form to be withdrawn after It should be understood that, in the completion of a first course in situ, an end gate such as that described above may be used in connection with not only the corner forms but also with the straight forms described, and that when a first course or tier of blocks, preferably provided with reinforcement in the manner indicated, shall have been laid. successive conrses may be'fs'imilarly laid thereon substantially in the manner de scribed, or in any other suitable way.

In the laying of successive courses, I find it advantageous to provide means by which,

the forms having been removed from the blocks ofsuch afirst course, the blocks ofanext course maybe supported therefrom,

and I'prefer to proceed in such a way as to break joints between the blocks of successive courses, and with suflicientrapidity to per mitflof thebonding of the successive courses into a substantially monolithic structure. In orderfsuitabl'y to support each .coursesubse- 'quently to the first course from a course of blocks previously laid, any suitable means may be employed but I prefer to employ in this connection reinforcing elements, which may be :laid upon the respective tops of the blocks comprising a lower course and extending in such a direction as suitably to support the elements of my collapsiblecore forms. during the relative movement thereof.

For example, in preparation for the formation of a second tier comprising corner blocks tobe laid upon previously formed blocks such as are shown in Fig. 13, I may employ means such as theZ-bars 59, whose central straight portion is preferably arranged to extend in the direction of the slots in theelements 3, andsubstantially in the same vertical plane therewith, it being understood that, for the supporting of the cores used in the formation of my straight blocks, mere fragments of scrap iron, or the like, may optionally be employed to support the pin and slot connecting elements 3*, 4, of which I may employ any desired number.

a block I It isan important merit of my described or by providing a plurality of constrictions 23 in the former and a plurality of slots 28 in the latter, I may adapt the major elements of my device to be associated'with end gates of varying width in the production of walls differing in outside diameter.

Although I have herein described one pre ferred means for the formation of corner blocks and one preferred means for the formation of straight blocks, my means referred to beinga apted either to conjoint or separate use, various elements of my invention might be independently used, and various modifications might be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as the same is indicated above and in the following claims.

hat I claim is:

1. In a means for concrete wall construction, an end gate provided with means for supporting reinforcing elements from said end gate.

2.111 apparatus for the construction of walls, a collapsible core, and means for securing and spacing outside vertical form elements therefrom, said securing and spacing means comprising a strap adapted to extend through slots in said outside form elements, one element having a stud to engage in a slot in one end of the strap and there being a screwand nut on the other end of the strap.

3. In apparatus for the construction of walls, ,a collapsible core, and means for securing andspacing outside vertical form elements therefrom, said securing and spacing means comprising a strap adapted to be secured at one end by a slot and stud connectionand at the other end by a screw and nut. I

4.'I11 apparatus for the construction of concrete walls and comprising vertical form elements, means for spacing and supporting said vertical form elements from a corresponding tier of wall previously formed, said spacing and supporting means comprising a strap adapted to be inserted through slots in said form elements and to rest upon said tier of wall previously formed, one element having a stud to engage in a slot in one end of the strap and there being a screw and nut on the other end of the strap.

5. In apparatus for the construction. of concrete walls and comprising vertical form elements, means for spacing and supporting said vertical form elements from a corresponding tier of wall previously formed, said spacing and supporting means comprising a bolt adjustably pivoted at one end and adapted to extend through a key-hole slot at the other end.

6. In apparatus for the construction of hollow concrete walls, a plurality of pairs of vertical corner elements secured one within another, and means for causing one pair of such corner elements to move cornerwise toward another pair thereof.

7. In apparatus for the construction of hollow concrete walls, a plurality of pairs of vertical corner elements secured one within another, and means for causing one pair of such corner elements to move cornerwise toward another pair thereof, said means comprising slotted elements disposed in the direction of such movement.

8. In apparatus for the construction of hollow concrete walls, a plurality of pairs of vertical corner elements secured one within another, and means for causing one pair of such corner elements to move cornerwise toward another pair thereof, said means comprising slotted elements disposed in the direction of such movement, and adapted to be supported by diagonal reinforcement.

9. In apparatus for constructing hollow concrete walls, and end gate provided with means for supporting reinforcing elements therefrom.

10. In apparatus for constructing hollow concrete walls, an end gate provided with vertical fins adapted to cooperate with core elements in providing an air space, and provided with means for supporting reinforcement.

11. In apparatus for constructing hollow concrete walls, an end gate provided with vertically movable latching elements.

12. In apparatus for constructing hollow concrete walls, means comprising bolts extending through sleeves and provided with constrictions suitable for engagement with key-hole slots for adapting identical outside vertical form elements provided with such slots to be used alternatively with various end gates in the production of walls differing in outside diameter.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

' WILLIAM F. MOOOLLUM. 

